Crime Stoppers youngest 'Most Wanted' suspect arrested in Cape Coral

August 5, 2013

A 20-year-old repeat offender wanted for more than three months was taken into custody in Cape Coral Monday morning.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force captured Fernando Vega just before 9 a.m. He was hiding in a closet in a home on Northwest 21st Street along with his girlfriend and infant child, officials said in a prepared statement from CrimeStoppers.

Vega, whose criminal record began when he was just 11, was wanted this time for violating the terms of his community control following an arrest for burglary and grand theft, the release states.

Vega was charged with 10 felonies as a minor, resulting in a rap sheet that includes multiple charges of burglary, grand theft auto, dealing in stolen property, assault with a deadly weapon and possessing a firearm at the age of 14. As an adult, he has been arrested for two counts of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, violation of an order for protection and failure to pay child support.

"With information from the community, coupled with relentless dedication on the part of the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Warrants Task Force, it was only a matter of time before Vega was apprehended," said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers coordinator in the statement.

Vega was currently en route to the Lee County Jail where he was expected to booked shortly, and then held without bond, officials said.

Anyone with information on any wanted fugitive is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD